The unit was mustered into Confederate service on August 31, 1862, although many of the men recruited for the regiment had already seen action at the Battle of Lone Jack.

On July 4, 1863, the regiment penetrated the Union works at the Battle of Helena, although its brigade was soon isolated and defeated.

On April 30, the unit was part of a Confederate attack at the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry, although the charge was repulsed despite initial success.

[1] On August 16, Hunter's force engaged a Union column commanded by Major Emory S. Foster as part of the Battle of Lone Jack.

However, Union troops began to concentrate in the area after the battle, and the Confederates retreated back to Arkansas.

In response, Confederate Major General Thomas Hindman prepared to strike the Union column.

Towards the end of June, the regiment moved towards Helena, Arkansas, as part of a Confederate attempt to capture the Union-held town.

[10] After Helena, the regiment fell back to Des Arc, Arkansas and then to Little Rock, where the men built fortifications.

In August, Union Major General Frederick Steele threatened the city, moving around the Confederate fortifications to attack at an undefended point.

In April, the regiment was sent to support Major General Richard Taylor's force, which was fighting against a Union advance up the Red River.

[11] After Pleasant Hill, Parsons' Division began moving against Camden, which was held by Steele's Union force.

Steele evacuated Camden, and was pursued by the Confederates, who caught up with him on April 30 at the crossing of the Saline River.

After about half an hour of fighting at very close range, Burns' Brigade was able to outflank the two Union regiments and drive them back.

Those two regiments, combined with the survivors of the 33rd Iowa and the 12th Kansas, counterattacked, driving Burns' Brigade from the field.